The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has forced Princess Cruises to make significant revisions to the world cruise itineraries for both the Island Princess and the Crown Princess. Originally scheduled to sail through the Middle East and Asia in 2025, the cruise lines have decided to reroute the ships to make new port calls in Africa and Europe instead. This decision comes in light of recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on shipping vessels passing through the Red Sea.
For passengers booked on the Island Princess, the changes mean a departure from the initial plan of a 116-day voyage roundtrip from North America departing from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 5 and from Los Angeles on Jan. 20. The substituted port calls will now include stops in Melbourne and Perth (Fremantle), Australia; Port Louis, Mauritius; Cape Town, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; Mindelo, Cape Verde Islands, and several European cities. Passengers scheduled to embark or disembark in Dubai on March 14 will now do so in Cape Town on March 9 instead. Those disembarking in Cape Town will receive a refund for the four missed days, while guests joining earlier will not incur additional costs and will also receive a $300 onboard credit.
Similarly, the Crown Princess will also bypass the Red Sea and the surrounding region due to the ongoing conflict. The ship is scheduled to depart from Auckland on May 31 and Sydney on June 4 for a 113-day cruise to Africa instead of the original plan to sail through the Red Sea and Asia.
Princess Cruises’ decision to revise the world cruise itineraries for the Island Princess and the Crown Princess reflects the challenging geopolitical situation in the Red Sea. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of its passengers, the cruise line has taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, despite the disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the region.